Effective Strategies for Teaching English to Children
Teaching Pronunciation to Children
It is important to teach pronunciation because good pronunciation is crucial for communication. Speaking clearly and ensuring intelligibility are key. Remember, having an English accent is not necessary. Jazz chants, rhymes, and songs can be used as:
- Warmers
- Transitions between activities
- Introducing new language
- Practicing/ revising language
- Changing the mood
- Getting attention
These activities are beneficial as they are linguistic, psychological, cognitive, cultural, and social resources.
Beginning Oral Communication
Motivating children is crucial. Use activities, games, and ensure they feel connected to their first language. Teachers should adapt classes, encourage errors for learning, and create a positive learning environment. Starting an English class successfully is essential. Examples include caretaker speech and puppets.
Improving pronunciation involves identifying individual lacks of sound or pattern, checking previous work, and introducing new rhymes or songs focusing on specific difficulties.
How to Teach Vocabulary
Vocabulary is essential for communication. Teachers should teach vocabulary in various situations, not just from textbooks. Use exercises like fill the gaps, match synonyms, find opposites, and word games like BINGO.
Teaching Writing to ELT Learners
Before teaching ELT learners, ensure they can identify objects and people, write the alphabet, know basic sentence patterns, and read. Use pictures to stimulate discussion, have students describe images, help them write down what they say, read captions, and create little books. Other activities include making lists, writing notes, and sending messages.